Dr C’s check-up: “Don’t panic about medicine shortages”
Recent headlines have revealed supply problems with some commonly prescribed medicines – but Dr C says not to worry
There have been stories recently about a lack of HRT (hormone replacement therapy), contraceptive pills and antidepressants. However, this is nothing new – and not something to worry about. Supply chain issues, which can make a medicine hard to obtain for a short while, are common and have always happened.
DON’T JUST GIVE UP
Medicine standards are high, so if the manufacturers are not happy with the batch, they won’t release it. There have been problems with HRT this year, but HRT isn’t just one product – there are plenty of different types. You may worry there’s nothing available, but it’s certain brands that may have low quantities. If the pharmacist tells you they don’t have what you’ve been prescribed, your GP can give you an alternative prescription. Most of the time, your doctor will be able to prescribe you a very similar substitute, and in the rare cases where they can’t, they’ll manage changing you onto another drug very carefully. If there’s a change in hormones, there would be a brief period of adjustment – but you may even find you prefer it. There have also been headlines warning of a “wave of unwanted pregnancies” due to a shortage of contraceptive pills, but there are many varieties of these pills, plus other forms of contraception people can use.
READ MEDICINE LABELS
The pills have brand names, but several of them contain exactly the same ingredients – such as two different pills called Cilique and Lizinna, which both contain 35 mcg ethinylestradiol and 250 mcg norgestimate. They’re identical, so if one wasn’t available, you could take the other. For antidepressants, it’s not ideal to stop taking something you’ve been on for a while, but say you’re on an SSRI, you could be put on another SSRI. You can also keep an “emergency pack” of whatever medication you take in the cupboard. For example, you’re advised to get your next prescription for the contraceptive pill when you’re halfway through the last strip, but most of my patients come when they’re already in their seven-day break. Being prepared and having a pack to hand protects against shortages.
RAISE ANY WORRIES
There is rarely just one option to treat a condition, so you won’t suddenly have to stop taking your medication. If you’ve had problems with alternatives in the past, tell your GP so they can find the best choice. We will be able to find the right treatment for you.